Strategic Mayoral Authority for Thames Valley

Published: 29 October 2026

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP, announced in his Autumn Budget Statement that the Thames Valley region, including Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon, will progress with plans for a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA).  The announcement included proposed funding to support development of the new MSA.

The proposed authority would bring additional funding, powers and local decision-making on issues such as transport, skills, employment, investment, and affordable housing.

Local councils would continue to deliver day-to-day services, including waste collection, social care, housing, schools, and local planning.

Councils across the region will now work together to develop detailed proposals ahead of a public consultation in the new year. The formal proposal would then be submitted to government next spring and, if approved, a shadow MSA could be set up in 2027 with the first mayoral election taking place in 2028.